John Isner fought off two match points in the deciding set to defeat local product Robby Ginepri in the round of 16.
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By E.J. Crawford
The field for the 2014 Citi Open in Washington, D.C., the second men’s event of the Emirates Airline US Open Series, is rounding into shape, drawing a former US Open champion, two Top 15 players and the most decorated men’s doubles team in tennis history.
The early list of commitments for the event include the No. 1 American, John Isner, currently ranked No. 11 in the world; world No. 13 Richard Gasquet, a semifinalist at the 2013 US Open; 2001 US Open and 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, currently No. 44 in the world; and 15-time men’s Grand Slam doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan.
Hewitt won the Citi Open in 2004, and Isner was the runner-up at last year’s event (to Juan Martin del Potro, who is currently recuperating from wrist surgery) and also in 2007 (to Andy Roddick). In fact, Isner’s run to the 2007 final was his breakout performance as a professional.
The Bryan brothers, meantime, have won the Citi Open on three occasions, from 2005 to 2007, and were the runners-up in 2001 and 2002.